The SA-24 Grinch (Russian name Igla-S 9K338) is the latest generation of Russian portable air defense missile system. The SA-24 Grinch Igla-S is a further development of the Igla family systems (SA-18 and SA-16). In 2004 the Russian army adopted the new MANPADS - Igla-S (sometimes called "Igla-Super") which is much more sophisticated and efficient in countering air threats. Serial production of the "Igla-S" ("Needle-S") portable antiaircraft missile complex (PAAMC) is conducted at the Degtyarev factory in the city of Kovrov. The "Igla-S" PAAMC by its capabilities is significantly superior to the "Igla" PAAMC, which entered service in 1983.

The Igla-S (SA-24 Grinch) system comprises: - Combat equipment including the 9M342 missile and the 9P522 launching mechanism - Maintenance equipment, including the 9V866-2 mobile test station and the 9F719-2 test set - Training facilities - Night firing devices

Missile

The launcher unit 9P522 fires the missile 9M342. The effectiveness of the 9M342 missile against air targets is attributed to the increase weight of the explosive in the missile's warhead and to the impact/proximity fuze enabling the missile to kill the target both in the event of a direct hit and when it passes at a distance of up to 1.5 m from the target. The target engagement has increased to 6 km compared with the 5.2 km of the Igla (SA-16 / SA-18) system.

Operations

When engaging slow or straight-receding targets, the operator tracks the target with the iron sights in the launch tube and applies half-trigger. The shooter then pulls the trigger fully, and immediately applies lead and super elevation. This method is called a manual engagement. An automatic mode, which is used against fast targets, allows the shooter to fully depress the trigger in one pull followed by immediate lead and super elevation of the launch tube. The 9V866-2 and 9F719-2 maintenance facilities can be used to check the missile and the launching mechanisms of the Igla and Igla-1 MANPADS. The 9P522 launcher can be used to fire the Igla and Igla-S portable SAM system. The 9M342 missile can be mounted on different platforms using control equipment and launching modules of the Strelets (9S846) set.

Combat use

The SA-24 Grinch Igla-S man portable air defence missile (MANPADS) system is designed for use against visible targets as tactical aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicle, cruise missile, head-on or receding, in the presence of natural (background) clutter and countermeasures. The SA-24 Grinch Igla-S features high effectiveness and increased range against small targets, such as cruise missile and remotely piloted vehicles. The SA-24 Grinch Igla-S is able to engage targets at night.